FAQ

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The address to key into your GPS is 101 Maalaea Road., Maalaea, Maui, Hawaii We are located in the central part of the island, off highway 30. The entrance to Maalaea Harbor is below the Maui Ocean Center. Once you enter Maalaea Harbor, proceed to the ocean side of the harbor (opposite the Coast Guard station), to the public loading dock, where we check you in. Map to Pride of Maui. Map to Leilani.

Cancellation & Refund Policy: Please provide 48 hours cancellation notification for a full refund. Less than 48 hours may result in no refund. Cancellations related to travel restrictions and COVID -19 will be fully refunded. Please travel safe and let us know if you have any questions about Hawaii’s Safe Travel policies.

No-Show Policy: All no-show reservations are non-refundable.

Yes. We offer group discounts, and we also provide private charters for a variety of events and celebrations. Please call our reservations office at 808-242-0955 for more information about planning your perfect group outing with Pride of Maui.

Yes. Our boat has shaded areas. The lower deck of the boat has a fully shaded cabin outfitted with seating areas, bathrooms, and a bar. However, the upper deck of our boat is an open-aired viewing area that does not have shade. For those that are sensitive to the sun, we suggest that you bring hats, swimwear cover-ups, and sunglasses for additional protection.

The Pride of Maui vessel is a 65-foot maxi-powered Catamaran boat balanced on two hulls and provides over 3,000 square feet of deck space. It’s extremely stable and was specifically built for Hawaiian waters by professional boat builders in New Orleans, Louisiana.

We suggest that you make reservations as far in advance as possible so that you’re able to maximize your vacation by enjoying one of our top-rated Maui tours! We recommend that you book at least two weeks in advance for our Morning Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkeling Excursion, Afternoon Turtle Snorkel Adventure, and Maui Whale Watching Snorkel Cruise. For all other tours and trips, try to book at least a few days in advance to reserve your spot on the boat.

Yes, we love to sell gift certificates! A Pride of Maui gift certificate is the perfect gift for your family and friends, and those that are celebrating a romantic Maui honeymoon or anniversary. Please call our reservations office at 808-242-0955 for more information about gift certificates with Pride of Maui.

No. We do not provide towels on any of our trips and tours. Please come equipped with your own beach towels.

Molokini is about an hour from the harbor. Its isolation is one of the reasons why the water is so clear. It’s a very scenic cruise to Molokini and once there you will be glad you came.

This is our most frequently asked question. You are in for a treat at Turtle Town, snorkeling and seeing the amazing Hawaiian green sea turtles. As a protected species, it is unlawful to chase, harass, or ride them. The calm swimmer moving gently and respectfully over the reef is delighted to discover that when left alone, the green sea turtles will often swim towards you for a closer look. Please note: Sightings cannot be guaranteed as they are wildlife. Turtle sightings are common at Turtle Town, but there are no turtles at Molokini.

Maui’s reefs are teeming with a variety of colorful and interesting fish, and coral, including over 250 species of marine animals—many endemic to the Hawaiian islands. We encounter whales (seasonally) and dolphins en route and have even sighted Hawaiian monk seals and manta rays at Molokini. You never know what you may encounter, you will see lots of cool stuff!

No. We care for guests regularly who do not swim. We provide a variety of flotation, the Captain provides a comprehensive orientation to beginners, and we have a lifeguard in the water and additional crew standing watch.

Absolutely, including infants. Strollers are great for infants and toddlers. We have safety rails throughout the vessel, and entry into and out of the water is safe and easy with submerged stairs. We also boast a glass bottom viewing area and a super water slide on the bow.

We do not allow full-face snorkels masks. For more information, please read our snorkeling safety tips regarding snorkel masks.

We provide all of your snorkel gear and flotation devices for all sizes including foam noodles, waist belts, and ski vests. We have a piece of flotation or two that is suitable for everyone, even non-swimmers. Some of our guests like to use their own mask and snorkel, which is certainly fine and up to you.

The morning Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel Tour is our signature trip featuring a full 5-hour experience. You will visit not just one, but two separate Maui snorkel destinations. Due to its relative isolation, the geography and marine life at Molokini Crater are unique and unlike what you will see closer to shore at the coastal reef. The clarity of the water at Molokini is unsurpassed offering a sheltered haven for easy and amazing Maui snorkeling and SNUBA diving. At the second site, Turtle Town, you will experience the Hawaiian green sea turtles up close. A truly unique opportunity awaits you, where on the reef you will enjoy a wide variety of colorful tropical fish and turtles, as you swim along the beautiful coral reef. Visiting two separate destinations unique in their ways provides you with a completely fulfilling experience culminating with our most popular adventure.

The afternoon Maui Turtle Snorkel Adventure (available April 1st thru December 31st) is a 3-hour cruise where you will visit one of our beautiful coral reefs, where the conditions are the calmest and clearest. This trip is well suited for the late risers and those seeking to enjoy some world-class snorkeling without making a full day of it. The afternoon snorkel adventure offers tremendous value.

The premier Whale Watch Snorkel Cruise (available December 1st thru March 31st) is our 3-hour whale watching cruise. You will have a unique opportunity to see whales in their natural environment AND learn about their fascinating lives with our onboard certified naturalist. Remember, whale sightings are guaranteed, or your next whale watch is free.

*Whale sightings are guaranteed January through March only. Our guarantee includes a free pass for your next whale watching tour if no whales seen on your trip. Whale sightings are not guaranteed in December or April due to whale migration patterns during the arrival and departure periods. The whale sighting guarantee is good for free passes only, no refunds or cash value.

Molokini is about 9 miles offshore (1 hr boat ride). About an hour boat ride for the other destinations too. Olowalu may take a little longer.

Yes. You need basic swimming skills and be comfortable in the water and can go underwater without feeling panicky.

Yes, we provide a continental breakfast including muffins, croissants, and fresh fruit.

MORNING MOLOKINI & TURTLE TOWN SNORKEL TOUR: The biggest, juiciest, and most delicious hamburgers and cheeseburgers hot off the grill and piled high with the fixings you choose. You can also savor chicken breasts, hot dogs, and tasty cookies!
AFTERNOON TURTLE SNORKEL TOUR: Hot dogs, burgers, marinated chicken breast, cookies, and beverages are included onboard. *If you have vegetarians or vegans in your party, please give us a call on our customer service line at 808.242.0955, at least 72 hours in advance. Mahalo!

Yes. If you have vegetarians or vegans in your party, please give us a call on our customer service line at 808.242.0955, at least 72 hours in advance. Mahalo!

The parking is operated by Diamond Parking Services. The lot closest to our slip has a machine that only takes cash (No change is given). You can also pay with credit card by phone by dialing in or using a QR code. The cost for parking is $3.

Check-in for the Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel Tour is 7:30 am.
Check-in for the Turtle Snorkel Adventure (available 04/01 to 12/31) is 1:00 pm.
Check-in for the Whale Watching Snorkel Cruise (available 12/01 to 03/31) is 1:00 pm.

Morning Molokini & Turtle Town Trip is 5 hours. Departs: 8:00 am. Returns: 1:00 pm, DAILY.
Afternoon Turtle Snorkel Trip is 3 hours. Departs: 1:30 pm. Returns: 4:30 pm—Mon, Wed, Fri (available 04/01 to 12/31).
Whale Watching Snorkel Cruise is 3 hours. Departs: 1:30 pm. Returns: 4:45 pm.

Payment methods such as credit card, cash, or traveler’s checks. SNORKELING CRUISE: All you really must have is a swimsuit and a smile. This other stuff is also recommended: Towel, bathing suit, slippers, tennis shoes, or soft-soled shoes, camera, credit card, photo ID, dry shorts and a pullover shirt, sunglasses, and possibly your favorite snorkel mask, although we provide all of your equipment.

We have storage below the outer perimeter bench seats. Many of our guests bring a backpack or soft bag to keep their personal items in. There are up to 9 crew on the boat daily and in the 30 plus years we have been operating, none of our guests have reported a loss.

We have wetsuit rentals onboard. Credit cards are not currently accepted. Wetsuits are $10. A little cash ($20-$40) on-hand is a good idea.

Absolutely, they make a convenient base to operate out of for families with toddlers and infants. The Pride of Maui is very spacious and can easily accommodate strollers.

We accommodate pregnant guests regularly. Please ask your doctor if it is safe for you to be on a boat during your pregnancy. Our vessels are large and stable, although each pregnancy is different and your doctor knows you best.

The weather here is referred to as “micro-climates.” It can be raining hard where you are, yet sunny and calm at the harbor and our destinations. The weather forecast comes out of Honolulu and is frequently inaccurate for Maui. We have frequent passing showers that turn to clear skies in short order. With more than 30 years in the business, we are your best resource for the weather. Our Captains are seasoned veterans with extensive local knowledge. If we have not called you, please show up at the harbor with expectations to go out, even if it is raining or windy. In the event that the conditions are unsafe to operate, you will be given the option to reschedule or cancel for a full refund. All of our destinations are weather permitting. We will take you where the conditions are the best overall, for a safe and enjoyable experience. Pride of Maui is the largest power catamaran on Maui. She is extremely stable and we make Molokini vast majority of all morning trips and about half the time in the afternoon.

At 65 feet in length and a beam (width) in excess of 30 feet, our very large (Maui’s largest), multi-hulled power catamaran offers unsurpassed stability and comfort. Very few of our guests become ill, even those prone to motion sickness. If you are in doubt, there are products available over the counter at our local Longs Drug stores to ease your mind. Just ask the pharmacist for one of many preventative options. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, Pride of Maui is positively the right vessel for you! She is famous for her amazing stability.

No. We regularly have guests who do not know how to swim. We have several different flotation devices to keep you floating. The Captain will provide an orientation and we have a lifeguard in the water and crew standing watch.

We have boogie boards, noodles, and flotation waist belts.

Yes. We have life jackets for all ages.

Rain won’t necessarily deter us from going out. However, in the event the conditions are unsafe and we cancel then you will be given the option to reschedule or cancel for a full refund. All tours are weather permitting and it is up to the captain’s discretion to take you where the conditions are the best overall and safe and enjoyable.

We have a marine gangway that measures 27 1/2 inches wide with about a 10-inch step up on the dockside and a 10-inch step down on the boat side. Unfortunately, it is not wide enough to roll a wheelchair across. If someone in your party can help the person get across the gangway by lifting them we can take a lightweight wheelchair. We are not able to lift people onto the boat for liability reasons.

Yes. We take all ages and we are family oriented.

SNUBA is available on the morning trip to Molokini & Turtle Town for $68 per site.

There are rare sightings, but the ones we do see (again, very rare) are usually pretty small & docile.

Great chance of turtle sightings at any of the alternate destinations; however, turtles are not commonly seen at Molokini. Sightings are not guaranteed.

When you first get off the boat, it is pretty deep around 20-30 ft. But as you get closer, to the site it shallows up to about 5 – 15 feet.

Yes, the prevailing conditions are calm mornings and windy afternoons.

Swimsuits, Towels, Cash or Card for Upgrades and Gratuities and a change of clothes.

It is best to print it out, in case there are discrepancies, but if your name is on the manifest, we will let you on the boat.

We offer a 5-hour Snorkel Adventure that heads out to both Molokini Crater and Turtle Town. We provide our guests with a continental breakfast, BBQ lunch, an open bar, all of your snorkel gear, and flotation devices. Please keep in mind that we also offer SNUBA.

Yes, if the weather permits we’ll be heading out to both Molokini Crater and Turtle Town.

While both boats and tours are equally accomplished at showcasing the incredible beauty and snorkeling at Molokini — aboard the Pride of Maui, you’ll enjoy more space and amenities, which include a jumbo slide! Aboard the Leilani, you’ll enjoy fewer passengers and more personalized experience.

It takes about 45min-1hr from our harbor in Maalaea to the Molokini Crater.

It’s very likely that we’ll see turtles, however, it’s not a guarantee being that they are wildlife. But we’ll take you out to a location that they’re often seen at. Please note: Turtle sightings are common at Turtle Town, but there are no turtles at Molokini.

This is a Molokini Snorkel Adventure that offers our guests the opportunity to also do SNUBA all on one trip.

We do not allow full-face snorkels masks. For more information, please read our snorkeling safety tips regarding snorkel masks.

If we can’t make it to Molokini Crater our Captain will always make sure to get you folks out to another beautiful snorkel destination. Safety is always our number one priority and we want you to be safe and comfortable in the water at all times.

It’s about 70ft at Molokini Crater and 30ft at Turtle Town.

5 hours from 8AM-1PM

Maalaea Harbor North Dock (Left of the US Coast Guard)

The water temperature stays around 70 degrees year round but if you find that to be too cold for you, we do have wetsuits available on board for you to rent for $10 (cash).

7:30am

SNUBA is an optional upgrade that we offer on our Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel Adventure. But this is not just a SNUBA trip.

Yes, there are 2 restrooms (heads) on board.

Molokini Crater (Marine Reserve) and Turtle Town

Purchasing (1) SNUBA upgrade is for one location only. If guests would like to SNUBA at both Molokini and Turtle Town, the upgrade will need to be purchased for each location.

Morning Tour – Molokini Crater and Turtle Town scheduled stops, but weather dependent

Afternoon Tour – Turtle Town; Olowalu, Coral Gardens, or Molokini Crater (completely weather dependent)

Molokini is about 9 miles offshore (1 hr boat ride). About an hour boat ride for the other destinations too. Olowalu may take a little longer.

While we cannot guarantee whale sightings on the Molokini & Turtle Town Snorkel; during whale season (Dec. – March) it is a possibility that whales will be seen!

Yes, we do guarantee sightings during whale season, December through March or your next tour is on us.

We’ll snorkel for about an hour and then head out to do some whale watching.

Coral Gardens or Olowalu.

About an hour.

We do not offer SNUBA on our afternoon tour or our whale watching tour.

We do not go to Molokini Crater.

February is considered peak season for Maui whale watching!

December through March is considered whale season as North Pacific humpback whales migrate from Hawaii during this time every year to mate and give birth though whale watching Maui November is possible.

Maui features the best whale watching in Hawaii.

The winds tend to pick up in the afternoon and that’s the reason why we leave it up to our Captain on where the snorkel location will be. Our Captains have years of experience and will always make sure to get you out to an area where the water conditions are safe and comfortable for our guests.

We do not allow full-face snorkels masks. For more information, please read our snorkeling safety tips regarding snorkel masks.

If it’s late season, end of March, April, and May, it is still possible to see whales though there is no guarantee in April and May.

We will always do our best to get our guests out to see them but because it is wildlife, we can’t guarantee anything. However, just the other day we saw whales, turtles, and a pod of dolphins. It was an amazing trip!

Our Turtle Watch Snorkel Adventure is a shorter trip that runs from 1:30-4:30 and takes you out to one snorkel location of captain’s choice based on the weather conditions. We typically head out to either Turtle Town, Olowalu, Coral Gardens, and sometimes make it out to Molokini Crater. On this trip, we’ll provide you with a hot BBQ Lunch, open bar, all of your snorkel gear and flotation devices.

Turtle Town, Olowalu, Molokini or Coral Gardens; Captain will pick the best spot based on the weather/water conditions for that day.

3 hrs from 1:30 PM-4:30 PM

Yes, we serve a hot-off-the-grill BBQ lunch featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, & marinated chicken breasts) served with all the fixings along with pasta salad and a vegetable crudité platter. If you have vegetarians or vegans in your party, please give us a call on our customer service line at 808.242.0955, at least 72 hours in advance.

Yes, once snorkeling has come to a close we offer an open bar (beer, wine, mai tais)

After snorkeling is done about 3:00 pm.

Our Turtle Watch Snorkel Adventure is a shorter trip that runs from 1:30 pm-5 pm and takes you out to one snorkel location of captain’s choice based on the weather conditions. We typically head out to either Turtle Town, Olowalu, Coral Gardens, and sometimes make it out to Molokini Crater. On this trip, we’ll provide you with a hot BBQ Lunch, open bar, all of your snorkel gear and flotation devices.

The winds tend to pick up in the afternoon and that’s the reason why we leave it up to our Captain on where the snorkel location will be. Our Captains have years of experience and will always make sure to get you out to an area where the water conditions are safe and comfortable for our guests.

If weather permits we’ll try our best to make it out to Molokini Crater but ultimately it’s up to our Captain and what the weather conditions are like. Our number one priority is our guests’ safety.

It is typically much windier in the afternoon, making the snorkeling out at Molokini less enjoyable, borderline unsafe. It is pretty rare to see any boats out there after Noon. So, we usually try to hide from the wind using the West Maui Mountains and snorkel at Turtle Town, Coral Gardens or Olowalu — though we do try to make Molokini if conditions permit.

We do not allow full-face snorkels masks. For more information, please read our snorkeling safety tips regarding snorkel masks.

We will always do our best to get our guests out to see them but because it is wildlife, we can’t guarantee anything. However, just the other day we saw whales, turtles, and a pod of dolphins. It was an amazing trip!

SNUBA is the safest and easiest way to experience the exhilaration of breathing underwater for about 20 minutes in the care of our expert instructors. A cross between snorkeling and SCUBA diving, SNUBA is easy because the air tank is attached to a raft floating at the surface above you so that you can just relax and breathe without worrying about all that heavy equipment.

Yes, it is so easy that anyone over 8 years of age is eligible as long as you do not have any medical conditions which would prohibit participation.

Since 1988, approximately 5 million people have done it without injury. SNUBA diving has proven to be the safest form of diving offered anywhere in the world.

The entire SNUBA Adventure is conducted in about an hour. SNUBA was developed for those who would like to safely experience breathing and exploring underwater without the investment of precious vacation time. The entire SNUBA program includes the following:

• Pre-dive Presentation / Orientation, Approximately 15 minutes • Equipment Outfitting, Approximately 10 minutes • Skills Demonstration / Practice, Approximately 10 minutes • Underwater Exploring, Approximately 25 minutes

You breathe through a mouthpiece called a regulator. As you begin to inhale a comfortable flow of air is provided from a compressed air cylinder located in the raft. The most difficult thing to remember is that you will be breathing through your mouth and not your nose.

You will be wearing a pair of fins, a mask, a weight belt (to neutralize your buoyancy in the water) and a SNUBA harness which connects your air-line to the raft on the surface.

The depth is limited by the length of the air-lines which allow you to dive to a maximum depth of 20 feet.

Yes. You need basic swimming skills and be comfortable in the water and can go underwater without feeling panicky.

We offer SNUBA on our Molokini snorkel tour adventure.

Yes, our Sunset Dinner & Luau Cruise wouldn’t be complete without our fabulous Polynesian dance show for every day the tour operates!

We do offer transportation for our Sunset Dinner & Luau Cruise. Please visit our transportation page for more information.

Check-in for the Sunset Dinner & Luau Cruise is 5:00 p.m.

The Sunset Dinner & Luau Cruise is 2 hours. Departure is at 5:30 p.m. and we arrive back at Maalaea Harbor at 7:30 p.m. It currently operates Tues, Thurs, Fri, and Sat.

If you have vegetarians or vegans in your party, please give us a call on our customer service line at 808.242.0955, at least 72 hours in advance. Mahalo!

Our Sunset Luau Cruise cuisine is superb. For appetizers, enjoy assorted cheeses with artisanal crackers and Maui onion tartlets. For dinner, savor island-style baby back ribs, shoyu chicken, coconut roasted sweet potatoes, stir-fry vegetables, Maui gold pineapple slaw, assorted tropical desserts, and taro rolls. *If you have vegetarians or vegans in your party, please give us a call on our customer service line at 808.242.0955, at least 72 hours in advance. Mahalo!

At 65 feet in length and a beam (width) over 30 feet, our very large (Maui’s largest), multi-hulled maxi-power catamaran offers unsurpassed stability and comfort. Very few of our guests become ill, even those prone to motion sickness. If you are in doubt, there are products available over the counter at our local Longs Drug stores to ease your mind. Just ask the pharmacist for one of many preventative options. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, Pride of Maui is positively the right vessel for you! She is famous for her fantastic stability.

The weather here is referred to as “micro-climates.” It can be raining hard where you are, yet sunny and calm at the harbor and our destinations. The weather forecast comes out of Honolulu and is frequently inaccurate for Maui. We have frequent passing showers that turn to clear skies in short order. With more than 30 years in the business, we are your best resource for the weather. Our Captains are seasoned veterans with extensive local knowledge. If we have not called you, please show up at the harbor with expectations to go out, even if it is raining or windy. If the conditions are unsafe to operate, you will be given the option to reschedule or cancel with a full refund. All of our destinations are weather permitting. We will take you where the conditions are the best overall, for a safe and enjoyable experience. Pride of Maui is the largest power catamaran on Maui.

We accommodate pregnant guests regularly. Please ask your doctor if it is safe for you to be on a boat during your pregnancy. Our vessels are large and stable, although each pregnancy is different and your doctor knows you best.

Absolutely, they make a convenient base to operate out of for families with toddlers and infants. The Pride of Maui is very spacious, easily accommodating strollers.

A little cash ($20-$40) on-hand is a good idea.

We have storage below the outer perimeter bench seats. Many of our guests bring a backpack or soft bag to keep their personal items in. There are up to 9 crew on the boat daily and in the 30 plus years we have been operating, none of our guests have reported a loss.

Payment methods such as credit card, cash or traveler’s checks.

The parking is operated by Diamond Parking Services. The lot closest to our slip has a machine that only takes cash (No change is given). You can also pay by credit card by phone by dialing in or using a QR code. The cost of parking is $3.

The address to key into your GPS is 100 Maalaea Road, Maalaea, Maui, Hawaii. We are located in the central part of the island, off Highway 30. The entrance to Maalaea Harbor is below the Maui Ocean Center. Once you enter Maalaea Harbor, proceed to the ocean side of the harbor (opposite the Coast Guard station), to the public loading dock, where we check you in.

Our sunset dinner & luau cruise features a premium open bar at no additional cost to our guests!

Unfortunately, we need at least a couple of days to put together a crew, as well as providing the meals and drinks that come with the Private Charter.

Due to the Hawaii State Liquor Law, we don’t allow any of our guests to bring their own alcohol on board. However, we’re more than happy to provide that for you and add that to your Private Charter.

Our Private Charters start at $1900 but goes up in price depending on the size of your party, how many hours you would like to charter the boat, and if you decide to add any of our upgrades.

There is no minimum.
Morning trip – 140 max
Afternoon trip – 140 max
Sunset dinner cruise – 100 max

There is no minimum, but the maximum is 40 pax.

No.

Yes, we can arrange for entertainment, please call our offices at 808-242-0955.

Yes, you can create your playlist on an iPod/Phone and connect it to the vessel’s sound system.

We do not have vessels small enough for a beach pick up or drop off.

Leilani’s maximum capacity is 40, and the Pride of Maui is 140.

3 hours.

2 hours.

Transportation is available for an additional fee based on the headcount and location of your hotel. To receive a quote, please contact a private charter specialist directly at 808-242-0955.

Yes, as long as the weather permits we’d be happy to take you out to a different snorkel location.

Yes, we have guests that have both their ceremony and reception all on our vessel.

3 hours.

2 hours.

Yes, of course!

Please let us know what menu items you’re interested in and we’ll check with our chef to see how much it’ll be.

In the past, we’ve had our groom upstairs, while our bride waits downstairs until the ceremony begins. Then at that time you’ll head upstairs and we can have the ceremony next to our captain’s cockpit right before the sunset.

Being that the benches are bolted down to the boat, we’re unable to move them

You’re more than welcome to bring your decorations. We just ask that whatever you bring be tied down securely to the boat to avoid anything flying into the water.